Air Compressor Longevity

[taylor710ce]

Hi all,

Have you guys owned an air compressor? I'm assuming these are oil-free on the Rivians. I'm starting to read up on them - California/Makita, and they seem to last around 3k+ hrs. Regardless of the mechanism, have you guys asked if we'll need to drain water out of the holding tanks? How long has your standalone air compressors lasted? Do you guys have hour meters installed?

Thanks,

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[Speedrye]

I don't think there is an air tank, so draining moisture shouldn't be a problem. Beyond that, I can't speak to mobile compressors. My dual-tank DeWalt in my garage has 20+ years of heavy use and still works well.

 

[Trekkie]

If I understand it, isn't the compressor the same one that runs the air suspension? That's why it was so straight forward to add.

I've owned a few air suspensions over the years, never had issues up into the 80k mile range before I got bored with the car.

 

[BigE]

Check this out at the 5:15 mark...what is the black tank? Air or possible tonneau cover rollup?

 

[Dark-Fx]

There is definitely an air tank. It is likely integrated with the suspension. I would be very surprised if it didn't have a function to self-drain.

 

[Forager]

My experience is limited to Land Roved, but the designs are generally similar.

First, there will be an air tank. This is critical for extending life of compressor by preventing short cycling. The fewer on/off cycles the better, so the air compressor will fill a reservoir of highly compressed air and shut off at a specified PSI, then kick on again at a specified low PSI.

On board air compressors for suspensions don’t have drains, but they do have desiccant material in the air filter. This removes moisture from the air to prevent condensation when the air is compressed. Servicing the filter and dessicant is critical to maintaining the system long term, but it is often only done by serious DIY folks. Failure to maintain this system leads to the dessicant breaking down and fouling the system. The dessicant (original in the form of beads or spheres) turns to a powder and the powder runs through the air lines and is deposited in the valve blocks which distribute the high pressure air to the air struts for changing ride height. This ultimately leads to air leaking at the valves and the car either loosing suspension height when the car is off or the air compressor cycling intermittently to maintain height. If not addressed, the increased cycling will lead to failure of the air compressor.

While this is from my experience with Land Rovers, I contend that the system basics are the same and therefore the failure mechanisms are likely to be similar.

 

[Speedrye]

I thought I remember reading that the air systems were separate, but I could be going crazy.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

I know the air suspension option (4-C) that Volvo offers has been problematic when the vehicle gets up in miles (say 100k). I'm conflicted, because I see the value of the air suspension for adjustability... But I do expect it to be a $$$ expense for those keeping the vehicle long-term.

 

[BigE]

I thought I remember reading that the air systems were separate, but I could be going crazy.

I thought they were 2 separate systems also, but not sure where I heard or saw that.

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